World Insurance Associates Acquires Clarke Insurance

World Insurance Associates LLC, a significant player in the national insurance brokerage arena, has strategically expanded its presence within the Garden State. The Iselin, New Jersey-based firm finalized its acquisition of Clarke Insurance Inc., a Mount Holly, New Jersey-based agency with a nearly five-decade history in the region, on March 1, 2026. While financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, the move signals a clear intent by World Insurance Associates to deepen its market penetration in a key geographic area.

Clarke Insurance, established in 1979, has cultivated a loyal client base across New Jersey, offering a comprehensive suite of personal and commercial insurance products, including auto, home, business coverage, and employee benefits. This long-standing local reputation represents a valuable asset for World Insurance Associates as it seeks to integrate new capabilities and client relationships into its expansive operational network.

The acquisition is particularly noteworthy given the current consolidation trends within the insurance brokerage sector. The industry has seen a consistent drive towards scale, with larger entities acquiring smaller, specialized firms to broaden service offerings and geographic reach. This consolidation allows for greater efficiencies and the ability to provide more integrated solutions to a diverse clientele. World Insurance Associates, already a nationally ranked financial services organization with over 250 offices across the U.S. and U.K., further solidifies its position as a top-tier provider through this strategic addition.

Rich Eknoian, Executive Chairman and Founder of World Insurance Associates, highlighted the strategic advantage of the integration, stating that Clarke Insurance's established reputation will significantly enhance their operational capacity within New Jersey. This sentiment was echoed by Lawrence Clarke, the agency owner, who emphasized the expanded product and service portfolio that the combined entity will now offer to its clientele, promising greater value and more comprehensive solutions.

For Clarke Insurance's existing customers, this transaction unlocks access to a significantly broader spectrum of financial services. World Insurance Associates offers a wide array of solutions beyond traditional insurance, including bonds, employee and executive benefits, wealth management, retirement plan services, private client services, and payroll and HR solutions. This integration promises to transform the client experience by providing a single point of contact for a more holistic financial and risk management strategy.

The transaction saw legal representation from Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, who advised World Insurance Associates, while Connell Foley LLP provided counsel to Clarke Insurance. These advisory roles underscore the structured and professional approach taken by both parties to navigate the complexities of the acquisition process, ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders involved.